nonmythological

Nonmythological refers to anything that is not part of a myth or mythology. Myths are traditional stories, especially one concerning the early history of a people or explaining some natural or social phenomenon, and typically involving supernatural beings or events. Therefore, a nonmythological subject is one that can be explained by natural laws, historical evidence, or scientific reasoning, rather than through supernatural narratives or legendary tales.

The concept of nonmythological is often contrasted with the mythological. For instance, a historical event that is supported by verifiable facts and evidence is considered nonmythological. Conversely, the story of a god or a legendary hero whose existence or deeds cannot be proven through empirical means would be considered mythological. The distinction is crucial in fields such as history, archaeology, and religious studies, where differentiating between factual accounts and symbolic or allegorical narratives is essential for accurate understanding and interpretation.

In everyday language, the term nonmythological can describe something that is realistic, factual, or grounded in observable reality. It implies a lack of superstition, folklore, or supernatural elements. For example, a scientific explanation for a natural phenomenon like a rainbow is nonmythological, as it relies on the principles of optics, whereas a mythical explanation might attribute it to a bridge between worlds.